Disneyland Crowded at Christmas?!

[lil_ragamuffins]

Disneyland Crowds at Christmas?! Help please!

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Hi Everyone!

My MIL mentioned recently that she wanted to take the whole extended family (all 21 of us) for a day at Disneyland between Christmas and New Years. I've heard horror stories about the Christmas crowds (2+ hour ride waits, ridiculously overcrowded "walkways", parks reaching capacity turning vacationers away, etc.).

She says she knows it'll be crowded (this may be the understatement of the century) but she really wants to go because "it may be the only time we'll be able to do Disneyland together with the whole family"

In your experience, how bad is it *really*. It's always been a dream of mine to see Disneyland all decked out for the holidays, but this may not be the right time. Most of the grandchildren are age five and under so they're not very patient in line and have a knack for wandering off from even the most watchful parent. I don't know how much they'll even get to see or enjoy the parks with only a day or so there. Is it less crowded just prior to Christmas (say the weekend before when the rest of the world is busy squaring everything away and doing last minute shopping for the holidays or is it about the same as the week between Christmas and New Years?

We really have no idea and would appreciate any input. Thanks in advance!!

 

[Disneyland1084]

I went to Disneyland over Christmas two years ago. As beautiful as the park was, all I have to say about going that time of year again is NO WAY!! I made the mistake of going on a weekend, the first one where all kids are off for Christmas break. The lines were horrid. MAYBE if you went two weeks before Christmas the crowds wouldn't be as bad. My mom and I are HUGE Disney fans and when we go to DL we usually don't take long breaks when we go back to the hotel. But during that trip we went back to our hotel for a couple of hours, then went back to have dinner at the Blue Bayou. Also, thousands of the park visitors are constantly coughing. It's a miracle that my mom and I didn't get sick. If you and your family do decide to go over Christmas, I hope you are able to have a good time.

 

[tinkerbelt]

It is worse than summertime, IMO. The park frequently reaches capacity during Christmastime. I especially wouldn't do it with 21 people, that sounds like it could be disastrous getting everyone coordinated with all the crowds.

 

[kuusimo]

for a day at Disneyland

For only a DAY? If I were going to plan a family reunion at Disneyland, I would make sure two things did not happen:

1- It was not for just a day.
2- It was not during Christmas break.

I agree with the previous posters that it is the busiest time of the year. The past three years the park has reached capacity (60,000 people+). If my mom were doing it, and we have 10 granchildren under 12, I would pick another time. Since you have so many under 5, it is easier to go when others are in school.

 

[kuusimo]

for a day at Disneyland

For only a DAY? If I were going to plan a family reunion at Disneyland, I would make sure two things did not happen:

1- It was not for just a day.
2- It was not during Christmas break.

I agree with the previous posters that it is the busiest time of the year. The past three years the park has reached capacity (60,000 people+). If my mom were doing it, and we have 10 granchildren under 12, I would pick another time. Since you have so many under 5, it is easier to go when others are in school.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

We went two weeks before Christmas and it was great. The crowds were minimal. But our last day was the first day of Christmas break and it was nuts. I would avoid going when all the school are out for break. I've also done NYE there (1998) and it was crazy. It was fun to do once, but never again.

 

[Albort]

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Esp if it is a family reunion, dont listen to the other people about being busy...(sorry, i miss being with my family) What does it mean to be busy? Well, you have more time to talk and play in line... Value your Family time. I miss it soo much having to work at Disneyland, and having class... NO family time...

Who cares if its busy... you guys are a family... You guys should take it easy and play as a family...

Fireworks, camp out early. play games, talk, have the kids run around... i would think that would be sooo fun and enjoyable.

 

[lil_ragamuffins]

Thanks so much for the input everyone. I just wanted to let everyone know what we're in for and what to expect so we could make an informed decision whether or not to go or save the trip until school is out for the upcoming year.

If it isn't a "go" this year at Christmas, I'd definately like to bring the kids back and go another time during the holidays (when it's less busy). I'd be elated with all of the Christmas spirit and the Disney spirit all rolled up into one. I'd be on for weeks! What better way to end a year and look forward to a new one?

 

[DLR29]

Is it possible at all for any day the week before Christmas? If so, go for it. The crowds are INCREDIBLY different. It can cut off up to an hour of some wait times at popular attractions such as Space, Indy, Screamin, Soarin, ToT, etc.

 

[fairycat]

If you are basing your time on the fact you want to see DL in all its Holiday Joy just remember that it actually goes up before Thanksgiving and goes to approx. the weekend after NYE.

We went on NYE and a few days after and it was INSANE!!!! But we found fun hidden treasures and had a great time. I think as long as you expect the crowds you can work around them if you want to, but I think the first week or two of Dec. is the best if you can work it.

 

[disneylandgeeksx4]

It is honestly the most amazing place at X-mas...that aside, we went last year for a week. Dec 23-30. There was not a sigle day there during our stay that we could easliy move around or not wait in the longest lines ever. We took our 1 1/2 y/o and 5 y/o daughters. They we're amazed and stunned at the same time. It was so difficult to navigate in DL park. We did find some relief in CA. My sister went the 1st week of Dec during the weekday and had no lines and enjoyed her visit with her family. I am glad we got to see the parks at that time of year, but I will never go back again during the holidays. They actually closed the DL gates and had signs up stating the park was closed. If you can alter the time to the begining of Dec and during the week, you stand a chance, anytime after, good luck. I read one reply about "being with family" I can totally get where thier coming from, but seriously, going with 21 people during a slow time would be a challenge and going at X-mas...Monumental Challege. Good luck with your desision:

 

[disneylandfreak]

We were there last Christmas day and while I'd say the crowds compared to summer I have definately seen it worse, like on the Friday before Labor Day. If you guys use fast pass and get there early you should be able to go on everything without long waits. We never waited more than 1/2 hour for anything you just have to be flexible. It really is beautiful and should be seen at least once.
Jen

 

[Blueberrystamps]

so if we went anytime after Thanksgiving the park would be decorated for the christmas?

I guess what I am asking is if you go really early in the month will we miss anything.

 

[disneylandgeeksx4]

Not sure how soon after Thanksgiving, but since my sisiter did go the 1st week of Dec and it was all decked out, I assume it was ready. If you go to the DLR webpage they have a calender that is pretty good about significant events. It only forcasts out 2-3 months, with very reliable info within 1-2 months. It will even tell you if fireworks are available and what parade is showing. I believe they switch from parade of dreams to x-mas fantasy (which is incredible).

 

[danandjackie]

Two points:
Don't try and do it all in one day, totally impossible at xmas especially now there are 2 parks. We know we tried it xmas 2005, never again.
get there very early. You'll be able to ride most things in a short space of time

Also xmas decs are up in November, yay! Have an early xmas.